Ten-yard line



H I l-l TEN YARD LINE Filed July 12, 1927Hllllllllll\'llllAlllllllllllllllllllL) Patented Sept. 18, 1928.

MOSES H. WINKLER, or MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI,

TEN-YARD LINE.

Application filed. July 12,

This invention has reference to n ensuring devices used in footballgames, consisting of what is known as a .ten yard line, and its objectsare to easily determine the exact 10- cat-ion of the ball; to obtain aprecise knowledge of distance so necessary under the circumst-ances, toaid in the measuring off of a penalty, to facilitate the duties of ahnesman, and, to insure proper placement or replacement of the ball. p I

Heretofore, it hasbeen customary for a ten yard line to consist merelyof two uprights connected by a chain, cord, or rope, etc.,'w1th noprovision for obtaining any exaetness-as regards the intermediatedistances. birch has led to ugly situations arising in the midst of theconfusion prevalent during a foot-ball game, makes the official the soleJudge of determining distance, and has been the causeof muchdissatisfaction on the part of players, officials, and spectators alike.However, by having at hand the means for measuring required distancessuch unpleasantness may be avoided and the exact distance determlned.WVith the above and further objects in view, the invention consists inthe novel arrangement, construction, and combination of partshereinafter described, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing,wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a ten yard line constructed in accordancewith the lnven tion, I .Figure 2, a detail view illustrating the mannerof aflixing the measuring tape to one of the poles, and I Figure 3, adetail view of the measuring tape showing fragmentary portions of thetape in top and bottom plan.

Figure 4 is a detail view on. an enlarged scale of the lower portion ofone of the poles. The ten yard line consists of two standards or poles,such as indicated at 1 and 1 respectively. Both are preferably of thesame structure, length, and material with the exception that pole 1 1scut away above 1ts lower end to accommodate the circular case 2 in whichis housed the measuring tape 3, while pole 1 is cut away, as shown at 4,to provide a notch in which is anchored a conventlonal snap hook 5. Thesnap hook is anchored in the notcln as seen in Figure 5, by one or morestaples 16 driven into the pole 1*, as shown, and having the ring 17 ofthe snap hook loosely engaged therewith. Each pole has a pointed metaltip 6 secured by tacks 18 or other means about its lower extremity, andis adaptconnection but for the purposes pole to point of 1927. SerialN0. 205,112.

ed to be supported in upright position by having its pointed end thrustinto the groundin the customary manner. 1

The tape case 2 may be of any suitable weather proof material and issuitably fastenedto pole 1 by a bolt or screw 7. Any conventional tapereel may be employed in this of the invention the tape 3 ismarked on itsupper side in feet and inches, as seen at 8, and on its lower side inyards, as seen at 9. The tape is adapted to unroll from the casevthrough opening 10 and its free end is provided with a ring 11 forengagement with the snap hook 5 of the pole 1. lVhen not in use the tapeis withdrawn into the case by turning the reel ha-ndle 12.

During the progress of a game, the ten yard line is positioned on oneside of the playing field and is brought into useimmediately uponthefirst play ordown ;one of the polesbeing placed in parallel alignmentwith the football and the other at a point ten yards distant from theball in advance of the latter. The tape, having been previouslyconnected to pole 1 is therefore stretched to its intended length andthe arrangement is such that the line measures exactly ten yards frompoint of pole. As is generally known, it is the primary object of theattacking team, or that team having possession of the ball, to advancethe same ten yards or from pole to pole in an allotted number of downsagainst the resistance of the opposing or resisting team. Notinfrequently, the advancement or set back of the ball is due to apenalty inflicted on either team as prescribed for in the rulesgoverning the game and in measuring off the distance required in eithercase the result has heretofore been obtained by the oflicial merelypacing off the distance, which is at best but an approximatemeasurement. Since such penalties are usually in the nature of a loss orgain in distance and may have an important bearing on the outcome of thegame, an exact determination of the distance is desirable. Moreover, itis necessary after each quarter or period into which the time of play isdivided to changethe location of the ball from one part ofthe field toanother and to so place it in its new location that its positionrelative to the field of play corresponds to its formerposition. Thistoo has resulted in but mere guess workin determining the new locationdue to a lack of proper measuring instruments. With the presentinvention, however, guess work is eliminated and exact measurements aredetermined by the tape which can be readily detached from pole 1 thelatter being left in its position as a marker to prevent error as to theoriginal I location of the ten yard line. The special markings on thetape permit measurements to be made in yards and feet, and fractions,

thereof.

i The line poles 1 and 1 may be marked with colors, as shown-at 15. a

By providing a tape so mounted between line poles as hereinbefore setforth, all guess work on the part of ofiieials is done away withandexaetness, when necessary, will elwaysbe assured without the need ofother than the ten yard line. e I Having thus described the invention,what I claim asmy invention is t 1; A ten yard line for foot ball gamesoomprising two poles havingpointed ends, one of end and the other polehavinga notch above its pointed end, a tape ease fastened inthe 25 y neof the first pole, a tape within the latter to said second ho'l saidpoles having a cutout above its pointed I signature.

to the pole Within the cut out thereof, and a tape within the said easeand adaptedfto unroll therefrom. V a i v a v 3. In a ten yard" line ior.feothall game oomprising two poles, web of which is pointed at one endwhereby itis adapted to be supported in upright sition by having ibSpointed end thrust into the grenade tape line, a tape reel for, saidline mounted on one Les edjaeent. its grounde aging of said end, anmeans on the other pole a jacent thedgmund-engaging endior and ing thefree end of the tape line. In testimony whereoai I have eflixed my Mosesn. .wmmm

